Abortion Clinics Closing in Record Numbers Due to Unsafe Conditions

Forty-two abortion clinics have closed this year citing safety regulations as the main reason, according to an organization that tracks health and safety violations at abortion clinics throughout the country.

"This is the reality of abortion clinics today," said Troy Newman, Operation Rescue President. "We have yet to find one that complies with all laws and safety codes. The public health would be best served if they were all closed."

The number of closures reported by Operation Rescue, however, differs somewhat from a tally released in August by The Huffington Post, which found that at least 54 clinics had closed or stopped offering abortions since 2010 due to laws establishing new standards for clinics. The Post story was based on nationwide survey of health clinics and hospitals.

The survey also found that some clinics closed their doors because of state cutbacks in funding for family planning centers. For example, the Post reported that nine clinics had closed in Texas alone because the Republican-controlled legislature cut clinic funding, set new standards turning clinics into surgical centers, and required doctors who perform abortions at clinics to have admitting privileges at the local hospital.

Forty-two abortion clinics have closed this year citing safety regulations as the main reason, according to an organization that tracks health and safety violations at abortion clinics throughout the country.